Growing a nature kindergarten that can flourish takes a community, careful planning, and sustained support. In 2011, the Sooke School District in British Columbia, Canada undertook the project of creating a nature kindergarten when outdoor programs of this kind did not exist in the Canadian public school system. Inspired by the well-established…

This text proposes a comparative analysis of the inter-provincial developments of the professionalization of teacher education in Canada, and focuses on two issues: governance of teacher education and the development of new training programs. More specifically, based on a literature review, we analyse how current comparative research brings an…

This report illustrates how four high-performing systems--British Columbia (Canada), Hong Kong, Shanghai (China) and Singapore--developed their teacher professional learning. The report and accompanying materials are designed as a resource for teachers, school leaders and policymakers wanting to improve teacher professional learning in their…

Following a review of the history of education of the deaf and the blind in Canada, the development of teacher training programs for low-incidence disabilities is examined. Two such programs at the University of British Columbia are described. It is suggested that such programs should continue even in a provincial climate of economic restraint.…

French immersion teacher training should have its own structure, philosophy, and criteria, and should not be confused with or diluted by other types of teacher training. At Simon Fraser University, French immersion teachers spend twelve months specializing in immersion, with six months spent in classroom practice. (MSE)

A national survey identified 127 colleges and universities in the United States and eight institutions in Canada that offer graduate degree programs in gifted education. Data about their enrollments and practicum requirements are presented. The functions of gifted education resource centers operated by 25 of the institutions are also described.…

This paper describes a university-developed teacher training program that was based on the idea that the regular neighborhood school should accept greater responsibility for teaching children with special educational needs. Various sections of the paper describe the background and philosophy of the program, which was developed from a model of…

Describes the remarkable expansion of French immersion programs in Canada during the last fifteen years, stating that this "quiet revolution" of bilingualism among English-speaking Canadians has occurred in spite of various administrative, financial, pedagogical, and sociopolitical problems. Emphasizes that improvement is still needed in…

This article shares some current thoughts, actions, and plans to foster physical activity among Canadians with disabilities. Topics include mainstreaming physically disabled students, impact of the Jasper Talks Symposium, a national action plan (Blueprint for Action), and recent initiatives that reflect Canadian commitment to adapted physical…

This description of the vocational education system in Newfoundland, Canada, includes a discussion of its structure, previous history of vocational teacher training, assumptions underlying the program, the normal program for diploma, and lists complementary courses in areas of teaching specialization. (LAS)

The guide is intended as a practical aid in professional development programs for teachers and administrators involved in implementing Alberta's (Canada) new French second language curriculum. Its content is based on research in professional development for second language teachers, and it offers possible formats for workshops relating to…

Background information on the development of the Centre for Gifted Education at the University of Calgary (Alberta, Canada) is presented in this summary report covering the years 1988-1991. The Centre's major areas of focus are professional development, research, and community liaison. Professional development activities include preservice and…

This study is designed to provide adult educators with information relevant to adult education training. In the first of six chapters an overview of adult education in Canada is presented. The definition of adult education, its history in Canada, and models expressing adult education goals are reviewed. Chapter 2 examines descriptive and analytic…

Plans to improve instruction in English as a second language during a five-year period in Quebec, Canada, are outlined. The observations are based on the program established by the Minister of Education, Mr. Francois Cloutier. The study examines: (1) the current situation; and (2) proposed measures including teacher training, language programs,…

Evaluative findings from a comprehensive internship program for beginning teachers in Alberta (Canada) are reported as a basis for assessing the value of such internships. Findings from nearly 6,000 respondents supported the usefulness of the approach and suggested recommendations for program development. (SLD)